The South Antrim MLA said: “I welcome Minister Muir’s announcement yesterday of a public consultation on the draft Northern Ireland Nature Recovery Strategy. This is an important and timely step towards reversing the decline of nature and restoring the health of our environment.

“Nature is for all of us, but we can no longer take it for granted. From the stark example of Lough Neagh to the many habitats and species under pressure across Northern Ireland, we are seeing the consequences of failing to protect the natural world on which so many aspects of our lives depend.

"The draft Nature Recovery Strategy has the potential to mark the beginning of a new chapter in how we value and care for nature. If we act now by stopping the harm and taking responsible, evidence-based decisions, we can enable nature to recover. 

“Northern Ireland has joined the global community in committing to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the 30 by 30 target to effectively conserve and manage 30 per cent of our land, inland waters, and marine and coastal areas by 2030. The draft Nature Recovery Strategy must play a central role in how we meet those international commitments while delivering tangible local benefits – from cleaner air and improved water quality to greater climate resilience and improved public health and wellbeing.

“I strongly encourage everyone, public bodies, businesses, farmers, environmental organisations, community groups and individuals, to engage with this consultation. Read the draft Strategy, respond to the questions, and share your ideas for putting nature on the road to recovery. Every one of us has a role to play in restoring nature.”